Celebration of Disciplines Reflection PDF

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Book reflection for Dr. Jim Lo...

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Matthew Spiegel Celebration of Disciplines Reflection In reading Celebration of Disciplines, by Richard J. Foster, I was greatly encouraged and challenged to make improvements in my spiritual walk. Much of the content served as a reminder of things I should be disciplined in, while I also learned some new information from reading this book. Specifically, what stuck out to me the most was the right heart to have in prayer, the detailed insight on fasting, importance of resting in quietness and solitude, and the power of confession. In the context of prayer, Foster stated that one of the clearest ways to know that we are called to prayer for something or someone is if we have compassion. God works through prayers of compassion. Jesus experienced this for people when performing miracles, and it is important to follow His example and actually care, and be passionate about there I am focusing my prayer. As Foster mentions, it is important to consider one’s desire for prayer. Though prayer is a discipline and takes practice to grow in desire, if it is really hard to prayer and be passionate about something or someone, it is probably not where God wants me to focus. Jesus taught His disciples in the Lord’s prayer to ask for daily bread. Children, when asking their parents for food, have a vivid imagination, and faith in their parents to also provide, never questioning if their request is too much. Similarly, I am a child of God and know that I should pray with greater faith when requesting things of Him. I want to grow in confidence that God will answer ma and provide. Fasting is a practice that I have taken part in before, but not with much seriousness. It really impacted me though when Foster pointed out that Jesus’ first

statement about fasting questioned the motive. It is important to have the right focus and heart in fasting. Fasting is stressed in the Bible for the sake of focusing more closely on prayer for a specific purpose, but if one is doing it for self-righteousness or health benefits, the Lord will not bless it. The topic of fasting also interested me because I know that food can be an idol in my life. I certainly spend time focusing on it and spend more time eating than doing most things in life. Fasting involves setting aside something I like doing for a greater purpose, a reminder to focus on Jesus, whom I love more. Meditation and spending time with God in solitude is one of my favorite spiritual disciplines, so I especially enjoyed reading about how to be more intentional in this practice. One statement that stood out to me is that Jesus spent much time in solitude, but because of this, He was very intentional when ministering to people. Silence and rest in the presence of God is necessary to be filled up, focused, and have direction for when with people. Foster discussed occasionally taken part in the practice of solitude for a longer period of time. This allows for focused time with God, away form distractions. This is important to do at times because everyone has a purpose, so it is vital that people discover God’s will for their life and refocus in order to pursue it full heartedly. One of my greatest goals after reading this book is to be more intentional in confession. Like the author of this book, I have confessed my sins to people countless time before and do not feel like I am harboring any sin in my life. Though, I still feel hindered at times, like something is in the way of my relationship with God. When Foster discussed how he made a diagram of his life, writing down all of the sins he took part it in and read it to someone, it inspired me. After this, he recorded having not an emotional experience, but immediate peace. I too desire to confess all my sins, living completely

free from their shame and fully in communion with God. Correlating directly with the power of confession is the significance of forgiveness, both forgiving others and receiving it. This book has definitely been a blessing and inspiration to me. Through it, not only do I understand certain practices better, but I also have some direction as to where I need to go and what to focus on in my spiritual walk. More important than just trying out some of the practices in this book though, I know that in order to actually grow consistently and have an impact on others, I must become consistent in these spiritual disciplines. Making them a habit, and a part of who I am is the goal.

Reading Integrity Report: As a person of integrity I read the chapters assigned for the book CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE: Indicate a %: 0%_____________________________ 50%_____________________________100% Circle one:

Carefully Not Carefully

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